Commentary for Ecclesiastes 3:5

A time to cast away stones. The youths of Yisroel scattered during the destruction of the Beis [Hamikdosh], as it is stated, “sacred gems are scattered.”⁹Eichah 4:1.

“A time to cast stones, and a time to gather stones; a time to embrace and a time to refrain from embracing” (Ecclesiastes 3:5).
“A time to cast stones,”²⁰A euphemism for engaging in procreation. at a time when your wife is ritually pure; “and a time to gather stones,” at a time when your wife is ritually impure. “A time to embrace” – if you see a group of righteous men standing, stand and embrace, kiss, and caress them; “and a time to refrain from embracing” – if you see a group of wicked men, distance yourself from them and from those like them.

And a time to gather them from the exile, as it is stated, “And Adonoy their God will save His people like sheep on that day, for the stones of the crown will be exalted over His land.”¹⁰Zecharyah 9:16.

A time to embrace. [As it is stated,] “For, just as a belt is fastened, etc.”¹¹Yirmiyahu 13:11.

And a time to refrain from embracing. [As it is stated,] “And Adonoy will drive the people far away.”¹²Yeshayahu 6:12.